The Adopt-a-Park program’s purpose is to provide an opportunity for local groups and organizations to help improve and maintain Carteret County’s park lands and facilities. This program is designed for volunteers to do work such as clean-ups, tree and flower planting, maintenance, painting, weeding, and other special projects. Not only does this program offer the citizens an opportunity to volunteer but it also increases public awareness of the importance of our park system within the county. As a group or organization you can adopt-a-park and help protect the environment for its present day users and future generations. We offer opportunities such as “one time” clean-ups or your organization can volunteer for specific length of time.

Who can adopt a park?

Anyone willing to give a little bit of their time and energy! Carteret County Adopt-a-Park program aims to unite and support all people interested in improving our neighborhood parks and open spaces. Our volunteers include:

Which areas can be adopted?

Particular areas within our parks that may be adopted include:

How can volunteers help?

Volunteers care for their adopted area in the following ways:

How do you adopt a park?

1. Contact the Carteret County Parks & Recreation office with a request to adopt a park area on Carteret County property.

2. Sign and return the “Volunteer Application” and “Adopt-a-Park Agreement” forms. (If you are under the age of 18, you must have a parent’s or guardian’s signature on “Adopt-a-Park Agreement”)

3. Carteret County Parks & Recreation Department will process your forms and contact you.

4. Park Maintenance staff will assist when needed.

Responsibility of Volunteers

• Volunteers must abide by all park rules and ordinances.

• Volunteers are required to read and abide by the Adopt-a-Park Safety Guidelines.

• Volunteers are required to maintain their adopted park for at least six months. We encourage volunteers to work at their adopted park at least twice a month. Volunteers will make up their own schedules in conjunction with the Maintenance Department.

• Volunteers must notify the Carteret County Parks & Recreation office to change specific volunteer duties.

• Volunteers must notify Carteret County Parks & Recreation Department when resigning.

• Volunteers must keep track of the number of hours spent volunteering on a monthly basis and report total hours to Carteret County Parks & Recreation Department. Volunteer hours are due on the 3rd day of the following month.

Acknowledgement & Recognition

• A Carteret County Adopt-a-Park T-Shirt.

• An award of recognition after successful completion of 60 hours of volunteer service.

Safety Guidelines for Adopt-a-Park Volunteers

When volunteering at our parks be sure to:

• Use insect repellent, sunblock or wear a hat.

• Wear light and/or bright-colored clothing, hard-soled shoes, and sturdy work gloves.

• Lift all objects with your legs, not with your back.

• Work during park hours.

• Work with a partner whenever possible.

• Contact Carteret County Parks & Recreation immediately if you notice a safety hazard.

• Tie bags tightly before placing in trash receptacles.

• Don’t bring small children or pets along on projects unless they can be closely supervised.

• Don’t overexert yourself. Be sure to take breaks, drink liquids and dress appropriately for the weather.

Safety Guidelines For Teachers and Group Leaders

• Report any safety hazard to Carteret County Parks & Recreation Department.

• Students/Volunteers under 18 must be supervised at all times.

• Review safety rules carefully with students before they begin a project.

Safety Guidelines For Students and Youth

• Don’t pick up any sharp objects, such as broken glass.

• Stay within sight of teacher or group leader.

• Report any broken park equipment to your teacher or group leader.